Verrreries de Braine-le-comte

The once-important glassworks was near the station and had a siding, which made it easier to supply coal and raw materials. They produced blown glass, and employed 400 in 1930, 25 in 1949 and 150 in 1964. They were known as a subcontractor for VSL demi-crystal from 1950 - 1964, and produced Rimac designs for The Netherlands (c.1970). There is little known about early decorative production. Only at the end of their life did they clearly label their products (such as 'Verre antique - Braine-le-Comte').Became conglomerated with VERENO in 1974.

The glassworks, found itself coming under increasing pressure in the pre-war years and was repurposed several times to make products for the various markets. Pre-1960, labelled or marked items are rare.

There is no known documentation about early decorative production. Only at the end of their life did they clearly label their products (such as 'Verre antique - Braine-le-Comte').

Labelled "Braine Le Comte - Made in Belgium"
Flowers in grey 'crinkles' with gold foliage.

Although it has proved very difficult to identify any real catalogue documentation, it seems likely that the factory at Braine-le-Comte continued with both flat glass and blown glass work through the 40's and 50's making bottles, lampshades and bowls as well as the blown-glass items for several Dutch retailers.
Considered to be a possible source of many unidentified items.

In the late sixties and early seventies, the factory is known to have produced designs for RIMAC

The factory was sold to Bouteilleries Belges Réunies in 1972 and the last oven was switched off in 1974?
The 'Verre Antique' range (which often bears a distinctive label) probably dates from this last period, and follows the lead of Meydam's Etruska range and Verboeket's Antiqua range, using glass with lots of air-bubbles and aiming to enhance the artisan qualities of the product, and drawing in part from classical roman shapes.
Became conglomerated with VERENO in 1974. The Veriplack-Momiplast group produced (plastic) containers on the site until 1981.

"Verre Antique = Braine-le-Comte" c. 1974

Braine-le-comte leaf bowl with label

Braine-le-comte leaf vases with label